Galway councillor becomes Renua’s first defection

Renua has suffered its first defection with a councillor who joined just two months ago deciding to leave because of what he says is the party’s U-turn on water charges.

James Charity, who was elected as an independent to Galway County Council last year, joined Lucinda Creighton’s party in May.

He was being lined up to run in the Galway West constituency but will now revert to running as an Independent.